An Illinois man is facing a potential life sentence based on accusations that he sexually abused girls at a gymnastics facility where he worked as an instructor.
The Daily Chronicle reports that the man, 22, is charged with aggravated criminal sexual abuse and predatory criminal sexual assault of a child. The latter charge carries a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole or probation. A conviction of aggravated criminal sexual abuse carries a prison sentence of three to seven years.
Police allege that the defendant abused six females under age 13 at a gymnastics school in Sycamore where he formerly worked starting in September 2015. The man was arrested in December. It is not clear if he was still working at the gym at the time. He pleaded not guilty earlier in March and was still in jail on $1 million bond as of March 17, meaning he would need to raise $100,000 to post bail.
Sex crime charges are very serious. The most important possible consequence of these charges is, of course, being sent to prison. A conviction may also result in being forced to register as a sex offender. Just being charged puts the accused person’s reputation, family relationships and friendships in jeopardy.
Ignoring criminal charges will not make them go away, and trying to contest them on your own is a recipe for failure. An experienced and tenacious defense attorney will examine the evidence, preserve your civil rights and work to minimize or avoid incarceration whenever possible.